Chris Wilder thanked the Bramall Lane faithful for their unwavering support in Tuesday's win over Brentford and insisted they have a big role to play in the remaining four home games.

Concluding his thoughts on the 2-0 victory over the Bees, despite playing over 55 minutes with ten-men, Wilder was characteristically positive.

He remarked: "We needed that second goal to relax us and calm us down, but once that came we were fine.

"Their players at the top of pitch move you around, so the discipline, the distances we covered and the way we kept our shape was vitally important.

"I understand we've had a bit of luck and when it's gone beyond the defenders you need your goalkeeper to make a save or two and Dean (Henderson) has done that.

"Defending is an art, we look at that positively and we've kept another clean sheets, despite plenty going against us."

Wilder added: "The players believe we can do something special, but there is some pessimism around this place at times, because of our history as a football club, where we always seem to think the worst will happen.

"A result like this should give everyone a lift and maybe we'll talk it during the break, because after the Leeds game, Bramall Lane needs to be like it was on this occasion, matching other teams at the top of the division, it gives the players the push they need in certain situations."